“…With a few pioneering exceptions (Hiltz, Johnson, Aronovitch, & Turoff, 1980;Hiltz, Johnson, & Tur-off, 1982;Kling, 1982;Short, Williams, & Christie, 1976), research on and analyses of computer communication technologies evaluate the efficiency of these technologies based on their cost and technical capabilities (Bikson, Gutek, & Mankin, 1981). Representative of this orientation are discussions of how computer communications can work in organizations such as libraries and engineering firms (e.g., Lancaster, 1978;Tapscott, 1982); surveys of the introduction of computer networks in organizations (e.g., Rice & Case, 1982;Sinaiko, 1963); and also experimental studies comparing the effects of various communication channels (Chapanis, 1972;Geller, 1981;Kite & Vitz, 1966;Krueger, 1976;Morley & Stephenson, 1969;Weeks & Chapanis, 1976;Williams, 1973aWilliams, , 1973bWilliams, , 1975aWilliams, , 1975b. In general, research on the technical capabilities of computers has addressed questions about how particular technical, economic, or ergonomic characteristics of the technology are related to organizational efficiency and effectiveness.…”